An independent statutory inquiry into grooming gangs will begin its investigation in Oldham, Bradford and Keighley, and London. The inquiry, chaired by Baroness Anne Longfield CBE, aims to compel individuals and institutions to account for their actions or inactions in protecting children from sexual abuse.
The review will also revisit previous locations like Oxford and Rotherham to assess whether changes have been implemented following earlier reviews. Abuse survivor Fiona Goddard, who previously resigned from the inquiry panel, expressed relief that Bradford would be included. "Bradford has evaded inquiries for many, many years and it's time that the full truth about what happened comes out," Goddard stated, emphasizing the need for accountability not just for perpetrators but also for those in safeguarding roles who allegedly facilitated or ignored abuse.
Robbie Moore, the Conservative MP for Keighley and Ilkley, welcomed Bradford's inclusion, calling it a "significant turning point" and asserting that the inquiry must uncover the truth and deliver justice for victims.
A spokesperson for the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, also welcomed the inquiry's focus, calling for justice and acknowledging that victims have been let down by authorities tasked with their protection.
Kemi Badenoch, the Tory leader, described the announcement as a "huge step towards getting to the truth." Amy Clowrey, director at Switalskis Solicitors, which represents some victims, noted that the women she supports had previously been denied inquiries into safeguarding failures. She anticipates these investigations will reveal the full extent of grooming and abuse and the failures of public bodies.